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Soil treatment research project taking root in Minneapolis’ urban forest
A landmark research project to examine technologies in soil fertility in relation to tree nutrition is literally taking root in three Minneapolis parks. The Tree Health Research Initiative is designed to address the long-term planting and maintenance needs of trees.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is assisting with the initiative that is being spearheaded by Rainbow Treecare Companies (RTC) in cooperation with Resource Recovery Technologies (RRT), the City of Saint Louis Park, and the University of Minnesota. RTC is funding the research in its entirety.
“The research is designed to see how tree health can be improved through soil modifications,” explained Ralph Sievert, director of park forestry for the MPRB. “It’ll provide the most comprehensive examination of urban tree nutrition in the history of arboricultural science.”
The research will be conducted on almost 350 trees at Cedar Lake, Lake Harriet and Boom Island, as well as in St. Louis Park. Over the next four years 10 different experiments will study the trees’ physiological responses to different soil treatments commonly used in tree care. In addition to growth and appearance, the study will examine physiological traits related to stress, disease and insect resistance. Soil treatment applications began in mid-October.
The experiments will utilize substances such as manganese and iron sulfate, as well as traditional fertilization supplementation, air tillage and the organic matter content of the soil itself. Trees to be tested are Hackberry, Swamp White Oak. Honeylocust, Littleleaf Linden, Scots Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, Amur Cork Tree, Red Cedar, Paper Birch and Bur Oak.
According to Dr. John Lloyd, director of research and science for RTC, the research will measure results on trees that are under active management. “All products are applied by tree care personnel on trees that are part of the urban forest. This is as ‘real’ as it gets in our industry. Rather than gathering information from nursery and seedling research, we will examine them in actual arboricultural situations.”
“It’s a one-of-a-kind experiment that is directly applicable to MPRB’s forestry research initiative,” Sievert said. “The project benefits the MPRB and the entire urban forest communities by showing which cultural practices are the most beneficial and practical means of improving tree health. I see this being especially useful in parks that undergo extreme soil compaction from heavy foot traffic. The studies will also be useful for homeowners who will be able to see the benefits of these treatments first hand as they use our park system.”
The studies will not detract from the appearance of trees or the areas surrounding them, Sievert added. “The trees will look as they do now or they will have a layer of mulch under the branches. The experiments will not harm or damage the tree or surrounding area.”
Recent MPRB research efforts included the suitability of disease-resistant elms, in partnership with the University of Minnesota; and regulating growth of boulevard trees beneath utility lines, in partnership with Rainbow Treecare.
“MPRB is committed to urban tree research initiatives because they not only provide demonstrated ways to prolong longevity, but also help quantify the benefits that trees provide,” said Tom Nordyke, president of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “The urban forest is a priceless resource for the health and well-being of our environment and society, from lowering heating and air conditioning costs and preventing erosion to providing wildlife habitats and increasing property values.”
Dr. Lloyd said the project is the biggest of its kind in the world that examines tree response to soil treatments. “We appreciate MPRB’s willingness to partner with us in this venture to bring scientific integrity to the whole arena of soil amendments in tree care.”
The MPRB Forestry Division is responsible for all City-owned trees. It monitors the planting, pruning and removal of trees on public property, which includes 6,400 acres of park land. It cares for nearly 200,000 boulevard trees on 1,078 miles of streets, and annually plants 3,500 trees. Programming includes storm response, tree care education, tree disease awareness and volunteer involvement.
Rainbow Treecare is a commercial tree care company that has been researching tree health in the Twin Cities metropolitan area since 1976.
| CONTACT: | Ralph Sievert Janell Wojtowicz |
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